I’m Over It
Look, I’ve been in this industry for 22 years. Twenty-two. I’ve seen trends come and go—some more times than a revolving door on a busy Tuesday. And right now? I’m done. Done with the rules. Done with the so-called ‘experts’ telling us how to accessorize. Done with the idea that there’s only one right way to do things.
It started last Tuesday, actually. I was at a brunch—you know, the kind where everyone’s wearing sunglasses indoors because, I don’t know, it’s trendy?—and this woman, let’s call her Marcus, was going on and on about how you can’t wear statement earrings with a statement necklace. I mean, who made that rule? And why are we still following it?
I asked her, “Marcus, who says?” And she said, “Everyone knows that.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But honestly, no. Not fair. Not fair at all.
My Awkward Phase
Back in the ’90s, I went through this phase. You know the one. I thought the more, the better. Bracelets up to here, necklaces down to there. I looked like a disco ball that had exploded. But here’s the thing—I had fun. I felt good. And honestly, who cares if it wasn’t ‘fashionable’? I was happy.
But then the critics came. “Oh, you can’t wear that with this.” “That color doesn’t go with your hair.” “You’re not supposed to mix metals.” It was exhausting. And honestly, it still is. We’re adults. We should be able to wear what makes us feel good, not what some arbitrary rulebook says we should.
The Great Accessory Debate
About three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin—yes, I know, Austin is overrated, but that’s a different rant—and I got into this huge debate with a colleague named Dave. He was going on about how you should never wear more than three bracelets at once. Three. Who decided that? The bracelet police?
I told him, “Dave, I wore seven bracelets yesterday, and I felt amazing.” And he said, “But it’s not balanced.” Balanced? Since when did accessories need to be balanced? I mean, look, I love a good symmetry as much as the next person, but come on. It’s jewelry. It’s supposed to be fun.
And that’s when it hit me. We’ve been brainwashed. Brainwashed into thinking that there’s only one right way to do things. That we have to follow these rules to be considered ‘fashionable.’ It’s nonsense. Complete and utter nonsense.
Breaking the Rules
So, I decided to do something about it. I started wearing whatever I wanted. Statement earrings with statement necklaces? You bet. Mixing metals? Absolutely. Stacking bracelets until my wrist looked like a colorful, jingling tornado? Why not?
And you know what? It was liberating. I felt free. Free from the rules. Free from the critics. Free to express myself however I wanted. And honestly, it’s the best feeling in the world.
But here’s the thing—I’m not saying you should go out and wear every piece of jewelry you own at once. That’s not what this is about. It’s about finding what makes you feel good. What makes you happy. What makes you feel like you.
And if that means wearing a statement necklace with statement earrings, then do it. If it means mixing metals, then do it. If it means stacking bracelets until your wrist looks like a rainbow, then do it. Just do what makes you happy.
The Body Type Myth
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But what about body types? What about the rules for different body types?” Look, I’ve heard it all. “Pear-shaped bodies should wear this, apple-shaped bodies should wear that.” It’s all a bunch of hogwash. Honestly, it’s just another way for people to feel like they have to conform to some arbitrary standard.
I mean, have you ever tried to follow those rules? It’s exhausting. And honestly, it’s not even necessary. You don’t have to wear certain things just because of your body type. You can wear whatever you want. Whatever makes you feel good. Whatever makes you happy.
And if you need some help figuring out what works for you, check out this fashion tips body type guide. It’s not about conforming to some standard. It’s about finding what makes you feel good. What makes you happy. What makes you feel like you.
The Power of Accessories
Accessories are a powerful thing. They can change your outfit. They can change your mood. They can change your entire day. And honestly, that’s something to be celebrated. Not something to be ruled by.
So, let’s make a pact. Let’s break the rules. Let’s wear what makes us happy. Let’s express ourselves however we want. Let’s be free.
And if anyone gives you a hard time, just tell them to talk to me. I’ll set them straight.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Samantha. I’ve been in the fashion industry for what feels like a million years. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly, I’m over it. I’m here to tell it like it is, rules be damned. Follow me on Instagram for more of my unfiltered thoughts.
